In life, we are but stories contrived of the decisions we make, and those which are made for us that propel us into what we humans call fate. Like any other human story, Kat Mendenhall’s eventual plunge into a new found career as a shoe designer with a conscious, and vegan eats guru, was like many other stories, serendipitous.

For her, as fate would have it, her longstanding successful career as a telecommunications professional which had allowed her to raise and educate her daughter, became unfulfilling. She explains that as an empty nester, “I was finally in a position to make a change. I wasn’t exactly sure what that change would look like but I set out to find it…I was able to discover a few hidden passions that evolved into my new career. My advice for others would be: do what you have to do to pay the bills, but on the side work on the thing that sets your soul on fire. No one deserves to be stuck on an unfulfilling career path.”

This introspection, combined with extended education brought Kat to designing Western style boots, with all the flair and personality of the designer herself, and true to form she spares no detail or weight to quality. She is particular about the degree of costumer satisfaction she delivers to her clients, as she feels that is as important as the carbon footprint her company leaves while delivering high quality at comfortable prices products.

She states, “We put a lot of effort in making our boots as sustainable as possible. The material itself is a high technology “polyurethane” and synthetic based material that contains no PVC; there is no off-gassing in the production. The USA facility where it is produced uses solar power, emissions control and energy reclamation systems, water based production, and power saver lighting. In addition to the material, our other components such as plastic or cardboard are used from recycled material. Our workshop located in El Paso, Texas is a small privately owned shop, not a production factory.”

In her business model, as well as her lifestyle she feels that:

Choosing a vegan lifestyle is also better for the environment. Factory farming is a huge contributor of waste and greenhouse gasses, which pollute our land, air, and water and contribute to climate change. Our land and trees are being destroyed solely for the sake of raising cattle. Lastly, we can no longer turn our eyes away from the unnecessary cruelty that exists towards the animals for the production of meat, dairy, and eggs. Most people have no idea about the severity of cruelty that exist and do not want to know. If they knew, then they’d have to deal with their conscious for being a contributor to such cruelty by consuming animal products. We do have a choice though, that choice is to reduce or eliminate animal products from your diet and eventually your clothes and shoes too. We know that animals are smart soulful creatures that feel pain and have friendships and companions just like humans. It doesn’t make sense to love one and eat the other.

To some, this might be opinion hard to swallow, until Kat further explains the health reasons why her chosen path might be a better option for others as well, “Choosing a vegan lifestyle has so many positive benefits that can’t be ignored. Research has proven that consuming a diet of whole plant-based foods has tremendous health benefits. It has the ability to prevent, treat, and even reverse chronic disease such as diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, cancer, which studies show can all be food-borne related.” She goes on, “In addition, obesity is a risk factor contributing to these illnesses and studies show that people that consume a vegan diet vs. a diet in meat and dairy typically weigh less. America is getting sicker; we need to reverse our mentality to choose plants over pills.”

Regardless of how you feel about her life motto, one thing is for certain, leaving a lower carbon footprint and consuming more sustainable materials than less is better for the world as a whole, and that includes you. Beautifully crafted and durable to last you more than one season, Kat Mendenhall boots are a stylish addition to any wardrobe coast-to-coast. These boots are made for walking!

A lot has changed with brands, designers, and fashion over all. The ever-changing world looks to social media to form opinions and revolutions. Who wouldn’t want a brand that speaks for what they stand for, and their ethics? This Fall fashion gives back with these amazing brands who share the same passion for fashion as well as our communities! Sometimes you feel a little delicate and so does our planet. This is what I call the “Paperdoll,” (build an outfit):

“Lur, the brand that creates products from 100% recycled materials, gives back to the communities where we work and pays fair wages to those who make our clothing.” This scarf is layers of recycled tees making it a conversation piece that’s sure to turn heads. This scarf is essential to taking any outfit and giving it an extra laid-back, earthy, chill boost.

Toms, a popular name in the giving back. TOMS offers brand new, made-to-order shoes in a variety of styles to meet the needs of the children our Giving Partners serve.
These tasseled and dotted booties are trendy new shoe for Fall 2016!

Lovethirteen’s message implicates passion and positivity, “Each bead and pendant is intended to foster and inspire spiritual growth, while the chains serve as a playful reminder of life’s hard edges.” This handmade piece is just the touch this Fall look needs!

Reformation, a brand that uses sustainable fabrics and vintage elements while diverting green throughout their supply chain and creates beautiful styles at a fraction of the environmental impact of conventional fashion. Reformation set a trend with it’s innovative ideas and classic looks. This LBD is thinking green this Fall! From the unique neckline to the knitted buttons this look captures a flirtatious and flawless little black dress!

Norlha produces luxury accessories and home products from Yak fiber in Tibet. Embracing values, quality and craftsmanship as well as ancestral wisdom and hope in their work, the Norlha collection covers a vast array of wraps, scarves, and throws as well as textiles for the interior market. Previously considered a rough raw material used only for felting and rugged blankets, Norlha have managed to transform the fiber into an exceptional product that links the Tibetan Plateau to the luxury market. Building a base for the local economy, the idea behind Norlha was to capitalize on the rich raw materials that the nomad population manage, by transforming this precious raw materials in the place of origin, for the benefit of the community, and generating gainful employment

The Yak traditionally provides everything neccessary for Tibetans, including meat, milk, hide and fiber. Yak khullu is the precious brown fiber that insulates the Yak from the cold, and is the natural response of a harsh environment at altitudes of more that 2,500 meters. Grazing on the Tibetan Plateau, the Yak provide the Tibetan nomads with much of what they need to survive, and are a means of measuring wealth locally. With 13 million yaks on the Tibetan plateau, and herds of up to 400 head, the animals sustain around three million Tibetan nomads. As the female Yak give birth every spring, this allows for milking every day, right through to the fall, and herders transform the rich nutritious milk into butter and yogurt for consumption.

Traditionally khullu brings little income to herders, and is normally only collected on demand and sold to middlemen who transport the product for weaving elsewhere, resulting in little profit for the herders. Unlike goats, Yak cannot be combed. The soft down that detaches itself naturally in May, has to be removed before it falls off and is discarded. Although generally even-tempered animals, the Yak have to be tied and laid on the ground to have their khullu removed, a time consuming and hazerdous task that does not harm the animals. Since the sale of khullu has traditionally not yielded much income for the nomads, and is in conflict with other, more lucrative activities, Norlha had to spend years to promote their Yak fiber project by setting up three collecting stations where nomads could sell their wool year round. By purchasing directly from herders, and bypassing the middlemen, allowed Norlha to offer a better price for the fiber to the herders.

Norlha carefully select and buy only the best Yak fiber, then supervise the washing and de-hairing process before sorting and separating qualities suitable for yarn or felting. Fiber is separated by quality as well as by color, with the rarer gray and beige, the most prized. The yarn is dyed in house, and the traditional Indian Charkha wheel is used for spinning, with imported Indian shuttle looms for weaving. The fiber itself has unique characteristics that include softness, ruggedness and great warmth, and it’s longer lasting than cashmere, which is currently under threat due to climate change.

Milan, London and NY Fashion Weeks have us inspired. Lately, we have been seeing more eco, fair-trade and cruelty-free designers introduce their lines during shows. It’s time to embrace your inner warrior in animal-friendly pieces that will take you from day to night, shopping to a game of boules, while stylishly making a big statement!

Philanthropy “Chantal” Faux Fur Vest. Philanthropy‘s motto sums it all up: “Apparel with a Purpose. Fashion with a Mission”. This brand is raising the bar for all fur companies out there by designing fashionable faux fur coats and leather jackets and donating 10% of their net proceeds to pediatric cancer research and animal welfare. $154-228.

Vegan leather heels: We all know it’s very hard to find stylish vegan heels. Lulu’s is an affordable option. Every pair is made from faux suede and leather, with prices ranging from $30-$120.

“Animals Are Not Fabric” Tee: Designed by TheTreeKisser and with 10% of all sales being donated to the Love Infinitely Project Animal Fund, these tees make a powerful statement and raise awareness while rocking your look. $20

Gap AUTHENTIC Eco Jeans: Gap is taking on new initiatives to reduce pollution and water use and is also part of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, where companies are evaluated on their environmental and product design choices. They are also planning to add measures for labor and social standards. $79.95

Harveys Crossbody Bag: Every single one of Harveys’ products is entirely made from car seat belts and recycled plastic bottles. The multifunctional and eco-chic “Park Hopper” can be used as a crossbody, purse or backpack. $120.

KORRA produce a classic tailored denim collection, iconic in its simplicity and utilitarian design. Each item is produced from start to finish by a single tailor, defying the factory production methods of faster cheaper, where a single machine operator does a single, repetitive function, day in, day out. By taking mass manufacturing out of denim jeans, and returning the tailoring, KORRA brings the user closer to the maker, while keeping the maker closer to his or her craft. Each item is signed by the individual tailor that made it, and accompanied by a unique number for complete traceability.

Online jeans orders in the New Delhi region are augmented with a ‘try on’ service, with a denim specialist hand delivering a variety of sizes and fits to help customers select the right pair. KORRA also offer a custom fitting service, to achieve the perfect fitting jeans.

The collection is designed to be useful and durable, as well as true to the authentic denim heritage of workwear. Working exclusively with natural and recycled raw materials, KORRA source most locally. Denim jeans don’t have a minimum or maximum age range, and their customers encompass the broadest possible demographic, as well as geographic one, spread across more than sixteen countries. KORRA’s intent is “to build a brand that reaches users around the world”, as well as “build a sustainable model that is inclusive of the local talent and resources.” Leading to the brands tagline of ‘A Conscious Choice.’

Petra Nemcova began her career as an international supermodel doing high profile campaigns for La Perla, Cartier, Clarins, Pantene, and Victoria’s Secret, and in 2003 she made the cover of Sports Illustrated. In 2005, Nemcova was inspired to found the Happy Hearts Fund (HHF), which focuses on rebuilding schools and restoring hope and opportunity in the lives of children after natural disasters. Her key motivation and drive stems from her personal experience surrounding the 2004 Tsunami. As she says, “We can’t control nature, but we can control the actions we take!”

Nemcova has also been an Ambassador-at-Large for Haiti since 2012. As a representative of Haiti, she is bringing awareness about the country’s diverse culture, development and opportunities, with the goal to uplift the people of Haiti through job creation and empowerment. Nemcova launched the international luxury home décor brand Be The Light New York by Petra Nemcova. Inspired by her life of traveling to fascinating countries, BTLNY brings treasures from her travels with elements of playful luxury to enrich homes and lives.

Merging her passion for a better world with her love of fashion, Nemcova was the brand ambassador and face of Level 99 Jeans’ Forever Black & White eco-collection in Fall ’15. “I am so excited to be working with Level 99 Jeans and support their amazing efforts to produce products with incredible green innovations that are helping to restore the environment. The designs are so chic and Level 99 Jeans are conveying such an important message to their consumers, that they can make smart, environmentally sound choices with power, whilst maintaining a luxurious look and feel.”

It’s giveaway time! For the entire month of February, Coco Eco Magazine is having a Love-In, and like the movement of late 1960s, this campaign is full of peace, love and happiness. Love is more than one day, and we’re celebrating it by sharing a month of gift-giving with you. From the fun and frivolous, like bikinis, aviators, purses and cosmetics; to absolutely luxurious and pampering, like hand-made candles, chocolates, bath and body care, there is something for everyone! Enjoy the gift of love all month long with some of our favorite eco-chic fashion, beauty and lifestyle finds. Love yourselves. Love our partners. Love us. Just #SharetheLove. Here’s some of what we’re loving and sharing with you, and how to win it . . .

1. MALIE ORGANICS: Sensuously transport yourself to the North Shore and beyond, while nourishing your body with this luscious, organic, cruelty-free and authentic Hawaiian spa collection, that celebrates yours and the planet’s beauty. Malie.com

2. ROK CORK: Utilizing cork, one of the planet’s most sustainable and environmentally-friendly resources, Rok Cork produces contemporary, eco-chic accessories for the discerning girl or guy on the go, and they’re recyclable. Rok-cork.ca

3. ECO PEACE SWIMWEAR: Young, fun, flattering on the figure and made from recycled plastics, this swimwear collection has you covered. Aquagreen.net

8. HENRY & BELLE: From distressed boyfriend jeans to our favorite form-flattering skinny, Henry & Belle donate to a charity of your choice with each purchase. A pair of jeans that gives in all the right places. Henryandbelle.com

10. COCO ECO MAGAZINE: 2015 Collectors Editions, GREEN IS THE NEW BLACK and WILD AT HEART, and a subscription for 2016 issues, YOU ARE WHAT YOU . . . and F**K CANCER! What’s not to love? Cocoecomag.com/magazine/

11. LAURA ELIZABETH JEWELRY: Cast and hand-made in 100% recycled brass and with a donation to environmental and women empowerment causes with each piece sold, Laura Elizabeth Jewelry is as ethical as it is gorgeous. Lauraelizabethjewelry.com

These eco-luxe pieces will keep you warm and sustainably stylish whether at brunch with the girls, a movie with your man, or a solo adventure to your local farmer’s market. Grab the latest “green” separates and go! It’s time to layer up and look sexy.

THE BASICS:

1. STELLA MCCARTNEY: FISHERMAN’S RIB CARDIGAN: Our live-in knitwear for the colder months, is definitely this chunky knitwear cardigan. This timeless piece can be worn as a wrap or style it buttoned up. We admit it’s the perfect piece to get cozy with.
$1,140, Stellamccartney.com

2. JOHN PATRICK ORGANIC LONG SLEEVE SHIRT TAIL: 100% organic cotton, long-sleeve, lightweight, and super soft on the skin, this is one of those basic wardrobe essentials you should have in every color.
$85, Organicbyjohnpatrick.com

4. OLSENHAUS: SEEK BOOT: Pure Vegan footwear that is accessible and stylish for the winter months. The Seek boot is made with faux leather and faux suede. Fair trade and ethical business practices are the priority without sacrificing on quality and comfort.
$225,Olsenhaus.com

5. CALLEEN CORDERO MALA BELT: Hand-made in North Hollywood with ethically sourced leather and nickel and brass hardware, two trees are planted for each gorgeous accessory purchased.
$260, Calleencordero.com

6. KAYU BAG: TISTA CLUTCH: Kayu’s Tista clutch is made of natural straw and finished off with a shimmering shell accent. Includes a stylish chain for carrying on the shoulder or in the hand. Another perk, a percentage of each sale supports opportunities for craftspeople in developing nations.
$180, Kayudesign.com

ACCESSORIZE IT:

7. LAURA ELIZABETH JEWELRY COURTENAY CUFF: Cast from a Dusty Miller leaf and hand-made in 100% recycled brass and gold-plate, a donation is made to environmental and women empowerment causes with each cuff purchased. $165, Lauraelizabethjewelry.com

9. AMY DIGREGORIO: SOUTH END EARRINGS: Dainty and simple 14 karat gold jewelry is the way to go this Fall. These micro-thin earrings are hammered by hand and designed in California. Make a statement with this effortless look. $34,Amydigregorio.com

Brother Vellies was founded with the goal of introducing African footwear to the world, and sustaining artisanal jobs. Handmade in Africa and Morocco, Brother Vellies creates footwear infused with the spirit of African creativity. Vellies is African slang for a local version of the original desert boot, correctly called a velskoen. This boot gave birth to the business in name as well as style, forming the basis of the collection. Produced in a small South African workshop, they make a few dozen pairs a day, entirely by hand. Established in 1963, the workshop welcomes artisans of every stripe without prejudice, irrelevant of gender, sexual orientation, background or tribe.

Formed from just three pieces of leather, artisans sew the entire Vellies boot together without the use of nails or tacks. The boot is made from Kudu leather, an animal byproduct that is the result of a government mandated cull due to over population. Kudu leather is characterized by scars and unique marks each one unique to the individual animal, and every part of the skin is utilized. The collection also features Nile Perch, Springbok and Rabbit, all sourced locally from farmers in Kenya and South Africa, and all a byproduct of the food industry. The brand work as close as possible to a zero waste policy, utilizing the smallest of scraps for Brother Minis, their children’s shoe line.

The collection includes the iconic Tyre Sandal, which owes it origins to the Maasai people of northern Tanzania, who have used discarded car tires to create durable sandal straps and soles for decades. Paying tribute to the traditional Maasai closure, the Brother Tyre sandal features a pattern of intersecting straps made from hand cut leather. Additional styles include the School Shoe, which is based on the South African children’s school uniform shoe, similar to an Oxford; the shoe is constructed with a thick rubber sole and made in a variety of different types and colors of leather. The kids collection, known as Brother Minis, mirror the styles of the adult line, with a portion of all sales used to support the schooling of workshop employees children.

As the brand grows in popularity, they incorporate best practices wherever possible, based on slow fashion principles. They consider their shoes and boots an investment, each style is built to be worn and last a very long time. Most styles are made to order only, eliminating the need to carry inventory, and minimizing overstocks. The recent addition of donated Moroccan denim has expanded the collation to include recycled denim styles. Most materials are vegetable dyed, including the bulk of the leather, while fabrics are either hand dyed with natural indigo or madder root, and made from organic cotton. Brother Vellies take great pride in the transparency of their supply chain, forming close personal relationships with the small family farmers who supply the sheepskin and crocodile skins.

The artisans that hand produce the collection receive fair wages, as well as skills training. The hand made nature of the line helps to keep the carbon footprint low, and employment numbers high. Designs with hand beaded embellishment is done by female home workers from African or Czech Republic beads, or bone sourced form the Kibera district of Kenya. Even shoe buckles are produced with Kenyan artisans from hand cast recycled brass padlocks and keys.

New York transplant and Toronto native, founder Aurora James, one of the winners of the 2015 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award, is one of only 5% of US companies with a female, African American CEO. The New York office is the living expression of diversity, with a small but passionate team from around the globe, influencing fashion one sandal at a time.

Recently awarded Most Influential Designer in the PETA Vegan Fashion Awards, 2015, professor, fashion designer and blogger Joshua Katcher is also an animal rights and environmental activist. Founder of The Discerning Brute, a men’s lifestyle website that focuses on fashion, food, etiquette and ethics, Kathcher profiles creative influencers who want to redesign the world, redefine success, and look good doing it.

An adjunct professor of fashion at Parson’s The New School in New York, he is reexamining current production methods in the textiles world and ethics in fashion production, aspiring toward a more viable model that provides visionary solutions for fashion. Katcher started his upscale men’s ready-to-wear line Brave GentleMan, after two years of exploring a more humane world on The Discerning Brute, researching the very best men’s designers, brands and lifestyle products, “that met a rare combination of a stringent and moral criteria,” Katcher explains proudly.

The thread that stitches Katcher’s mission and career together is confronting ways to work with environmental concerns and ethics in the fashion world, because he doesn’t believe that people take fashion seriously—both academically and in the business world. “Fashion is seen as frivolous even though it has tremendous world-wide ramifications,” he explains. “It’s a pretty dangerous combination to be a global industry, that impacts millions of workers, animals and ecosystems everywhere and to be seen as something frivolous. We need to create aspirations around sustainability and ethics.” “Every choice you make has implications,” says Katcher, “and the industry needs incentives to make the right choice to use these sustainable and morally produced materials. I think we are on the verge of some remarkable innovations that are going to completely change the way that textiles are made.”

Today, the fur, leather and suede industries have a huge global impact on pollution coupled with the moral responsibility of killing these animals for their hides and furs. “This is one of the reasons I started Brave GentleMan,” says Katcher, “I try to make fine tailored menswear in a menswear landscape where suede, leather and cashmere are king. I had to find superior materials, that were more ethical, performed better, looked better and were more sustainable.”

Katcher’s years of research and development have paid off and he is now at a point where Brave GentleMan is able to produce beautiful and elegant tweed suiting for men where, “the materials are made from waste cotton and waste poly, and yet look and feel like a beautiful wool suit.”